What do you think of church on-line?

[joanne guarnieri]

Just watched this CNN video about the new wave of church on-line and wondered what you all think about it.

[Dallas]

There is one aspect of church life that cannot be fully expressed on-line: love in it's various forms. One can discuss theology on-line as we are in fact doing right now. One can use the Internet to distribute information in every format. One can even use the Internet to network as a community. But there is no way to fully convey affection on-line. The physical touch of a hug, kiss, handshake or eye contact at close range communicates love in a deeper way that what is possible on-line.

Given that brotherly love is a command, this leaves at least one aspect of church life that can only be fully done through physical contact. While on-line church can compliment the physical church, it cannot replace it.

[ScottL]

Of course, with regards to every topic, there is always the 'what abouts' or 'what ifs'. So, we don't want to be so legalistic and dogmatic. But, as a whole, the church is about the gathered people of God. When we read the NT, we see that the word is used to describe the church together, in contact together.

To be honest, people already have a hard time with being real and authentic when we do physically gather together. We can hide behind many things even as we converse with another person right there. So, here is just another opportunity to hide and isolate ourselves even more, yet feel like we have done our 'duty'.

Acts 2:42-47 says they were trying to be the church each and every day. Again, there are the what if's and what about's, but such should not be considered for the norm.

Of course, some churches are so large that it might be feel the same for someone to arrive, sit on the 13th row, and then leave 1 hour and 15 minutes later (or however long). So now, they just sit at home, listen to the message, and then get on with life when it's over. Even if an online chat was used for 'fellowship', I believe it really defeats the purpose of the importance of gathering together.

Again, we struggle to be real when we are really with real people. How much easier online? I'd hate to know someone considered Theologica their church where they grow spiritually. Some of you are great, but I need flesh and blood brothers and sisters to truly walk through things with.

So, in all, I am steering clear of labelling such as evil. But I don't think it is the design of the relational Trinity who is recreating the church to emulate them.

[joanne guarnieri]

Yes, ScottL and Seraphim. One of the many reasons why I think gatherings of believers should be small enough that we all know each other, and would miss even one person if they weren't there. We would miss them so much that we would go to find out if they're okay, need some help, can we come over and pray with you, and offer some service.

Everything in its place. Theologica is like an interactive text book for me, but the textbook can't replace the real life where I am to apply what I'm learning. On-line church maybe is a way -- ON OCCASION -- for someone to "be" with their gathering (it would be even better if it could be skype) because of some pressing reason (they're overseas, for example, on a trip), but as a regular diet...? Empty calories

[Ryan]

Mass: We Pray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRMiRFJzIKA

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